Program Overview

The first step to apply is to create a profile in our system and sign up for an information session.

i.c.stars offers a unique two-year program that provides an opportunity for low-income adults to develop advanced technical and leadership skills.

Our alums earn more money, continue to increase expertise in information technology-based platforms and join a supportive network that provides the resources necessary to help make the changes they seek in their own lives and in their community.

The growing network of i.c.stars alums is a powerful group of community leaders that advocate for social justice in our communities. Our graduates have moved into successful leadership roles, adapted communications for diverse audiences using social media tools, developed a knowledge of programming and database development, built financial models, researched and implemented Internet marketing strategies, and regularly act as agents of change through public speaking engagements.

The i.c.stars curriculum consists of a project based learning model that allows program participants to become skilled technology professionals with impressive leadership credentials. Participants work on various assignments over a 16 week internship before entering a two-year residency program combining professional development, mentoring and continuing access to wrap around support.

With more than 300 learning objectives and 1,000 hours of hands-on practical business experience, interns gain expertise in both ‘hard skills’ and ‘soft skills’.

The projects also incorporate a leadership focus and lectures that are designed to build emotional intelligence and a reflective awareness of social contexts. Our interns develop three primary competencies—gift giving and receiving, communication, and meta-cognition—through our integrated leadership curriculum. The training prepares individuals with the behaviors, values and attitudes that will enable them to be more effective in serving their communities, clients and employers.

i.c.stars offers a unique two-year program that provides an opportunity for low-income adults to develop advanced technical and leadership skills.

Our alums earn more money, continue to increase expertise in information technology-based platforms and join a supportive network that provides the resources necessary to help make the changes they seek in their own lives and in their community.

The growing network of i.c.stars alums is a powerful group of community leaders that advocate for social justice in our communities. Our graduates have moved into successful leadership roles, adapted communications for diverse audiences using social media tools, developed a knowledge of programming and database development, built financial models, researched and implemented Internet marketing strategies, and regularly act as agents of change through public speaking engagements.

Are you ready for the challenge of becoming a member of i.c.stars? If so, apply now for our program.

i.c.stars receives 400–600 candidates for every internship training cycle and accepts 20 participants for each session, making the selection process one of our toughest challenges. As a result, we have devised a fail-safe system that helps us pinpoint candidates who will fully embrace our program and mission.

All potential applicants must first attend an orientation at our office, where they will learn about the unparalleled workforce development program we offer. Applications are given to anyone who decides our training is a good fit and are able to commit themselves to it. Over the next couple of weeks, interested applicants take part in an extensive, multi-hour assessment involving screening interviews and problem-solving skills.

Our selection process is designed to help us understand a variety of things about our candidates, including their ability to overcome adversity, their curiosity and interest in technology, and their potential for leadership. We look for candidates who are ideally suited to complete our rigorous program, who are motivated to support their peers and the greater good of the community.

If you are interested in signing up for an orientation to learn more about the i.c.stars training program, please click here.

A Powerful group of community leaders

The growing network of i.c.stars alums is a powerful group of community leaders that advocate for social justice in our communities. Our graduates have moved into successful leadership roles, adapted communications for diverse audiences using social media tools, developed a knowledge of programming and database development, built financial models, researched and implemented Internet marketing strategies, and regularly act as agents of change through public speaking engagements.